Mt Tongariro

A more alpine excursion, the South Ridge begins at the head of Mangatepopo Valley at the entrance to South Crater. Scramble along over blocky ground. It is also possible to gain the upper South Ridge by climbing directly out of the head of South Crater; neither conditions, views nor sunshine are likely to be as agreeable as on the ridge. The alpine lakes and summits of the mountains are sacred to Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro. Respectfully, they ask that summits are not climbed, waterways are not touched, and frozen lakes not walked on. Either descend to the east to rejoin the Crossing, or avoid the crowds altogether and descend a scree slope down the mountain’s western flank towards the long ridge that hems the Mangatepopo valley on its northern side. A faint track leads back to the car park.